On September 29, Sick Cells went walking in Memphis! Thank you to the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee for hosting us.

#FacesOfSCD Storytelling

The Faces of SCD storytelling program is an initiative to address stigma and other challenges faced by the SCD community. Sick Cells aims to help people understand this misunderstood disease by sharing stories of resilience and creating change.

Walking in Memphis

Sick Cells traveled to Memphis, TN for their sickle cell walk on September 29. We collected 17 interviews and spent time at the Carpenter's House, a donated home for people with SCD. In Tennessee, according to newborn screening results from the local government, about 45 babies are born each year with SCD.

Michael E. Jackson of SCFTN shows Sick Cells' Dan and Ashley the article about the Carpenter's House in the newspaper.

Dr. Trevor Thompson's truck parked behind the Carpenter's House

The families are then referred to local hospitals in their areas, with many concentrating in Memphis for pediatric care. The Memphis sickle cell community welcomed Sick Cells with opens arms and shared deep gratitude for their late Executive Director and Founder, Dr. Trevor Thompson.

Thank You SCFTN

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee celebrates life through art, music, creativity, and the best BBQ that the Sick Cells team has ever had. Thank you for allowing us to witness how you carry on Trevor's legacy and support each other.

We'll publish these stories in winter!

(Left to right) Juveiane, Ashton, and Anthony in front of the Carpenter's House. The Carpenter's House was established to provide housing for Sickle Cell Warriors and empower the local sickle cell community.

Gratitude for our Volunteers

Memphis began promptly at 7 a.m. on Saturday. Sick Cells sent a team of five for the event. A special thank you to Dan Holly, Meaghan Cohen, Amanda Vassall, Depreece Valentine, and Ashley Valentine for their hard work in Memphis. It was a great time celebrating with the community!

If you couldn't make it to Memphis but want to see more stories come to life, donate by clicking the link below.